IFA PRESIDENT CONGRATULATES NEW MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE

09 Mar 2011

IFA PRESIDENT CONGRATULATES NEW MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE

IFA President John Bryan has congratulated Simon Coveney on his appointment as Minister for Agriculture, Marine and Food. “I want to wish the new Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore and their colleagues in the cabinet well as they face the challenges ahead. I look forward to working with the new Government.”

John Bryan said during the election campaign IFA has set out in detail the European and national issues that need to be addressed for the agri-food sector to play its role in the country’s economic recovery.

Mr Bryan said one of the immediate priorities is the threat posed by the Mercosur talks, which is of huge concern to beef and livestock farmers in particular. “As a former MEP, Minister Coveney will have noted the decision by the Parliament yesterday criticising the EU Commission’s stance on the Mercosur trade negotiations. The Parliament adopted a report which stated that the European Commission must stop making concessions that adversely affect European farmers. Ireland must take a very strong position on the talks and safeguard our National Herd.”

John Bryan said Minister Coveney must also prioritise the immediate re-opening of the AEOS Scheme for farmers leaving REPS3 to allow farmers to make applications well in advance of the mid-May deadline. “Farm schemes make up a significant part of farm incomes and are crucial in stimulating the rural economy and supporting jobs. The new Government must ensure the farm schemes remain in place to maintain our productive base, which will be an important element in fulfilling the growth potential of <i>Food Harvest </i>2020.”

Concluding, the IFA President said he looked forward to holding early discussions with the Minister to progress the many issues affecting agriculture.